The Football Academy

The Football Academy programme is designed to simply stop talented young footballers from falling through the net, to give them an opportunity to progress with football and to educate them with top quality coaching skills to back them up in their playing careers.

Formed in 2011, The Football Academy is now a partnership between Colchester United and Maldon & Tiptree Football Club and Chelmsford College. Its aim is to recruit enthusiastic football players with different levels of ability who strive to improve their skills and overall game by attending a full time education programme and football academy.

Stuart Slater, Former West Ham legend and key member of the player and coaching development staff - "The Football Academy provides young footballers and coaches with the opportunity to develop their skills and showcase their talent. It is our aim to help and support talented young individuals, providing them with the best education, training, football networks and sporting facilities to help them realise their full potential."

What opportunities are there for me at the Football Academy?

After a series of football trials, the selected players have a choice of studying a two year BTEC Level 3 in Sport and Exercise Sciences* The Professional Coaching Skills Programme (one year) which incorporates many NGB qualifications or the BTEC Level 3 in Public Services. Some players may also complete an Apprenticeship in Sports Coaching.

The players train and play in competitive leagues every Wednesday afternoon. Some will get the opportunity to play in the FA Youth Cup with our partner clubs or progress to 1st team football. Players college courses are tailored so that they can attend football training on Monday, Tuesday and Friday and play matches every Wednesday during the football season.

*subject to suitable GCSE grades

For further information or to express interest in joining the Football Academy contact us on: 01245 293119 or cornwelld@chelmsford.ac.uk